10.09.2011

Paris Diary

I first met my friend Maria in 2005. She had a blog then called port2port - maybe you remember it? - and I can’t remember who found who, but at some point, we started reading each other’s sites. She lives in Portland, Maine, but that fall, she came to Seattle to visit a friend, and we went out for doughnuts and had a drink at the Alibi Room, my favorite bar back then. I was nervous to meet her, because I admired her: her photography, her style, the quiet way she writes, the details she notices in her daily life. I remember feeling amazed by how creative she was, by the fact that she made a living through creative work. I thought Maria was so cool. (Over in Portland, she’s now rolling her eyes in my direction.) I have only a blurry memory of what that afternoon and evening were like, but I remember coming away from it feeling that we were friends, and that meant a lot to me.

It seems like Maria is always dreaming up new projects, and I feel lucky to have been involved in a couple of them over the past six years. She invited me to be one of the featured artists in Lines & Shapes, a series of books that she and Lena Corwin curated, and she also gave me a spot in the beautiful Sundays Are for Lovers. She also gave me the chance to have my photographs in a show(!) for the first time, back in 2009. Working with Maria, even from across the country, has made me think differently about what matters to me, both in my work and my every day. Maria believes that everyday living is art, and though a lot of what I write about here is everyday-life stuff, I had never really understood exactly what I was doing, what it was that motivated me, until I started following her work. She helps me to see possibilities everywhere. In short, she inspires the heck out of me. (...Annnnd now she’s going to stop reading this and go die of embarrassment. Sorry, MAV.)

I love writing, and I can’t imagine ever choosing to do something else. But those of us who write mostly do our work alone. Collaboration isn’t usually part of it. I like to collaborate, and that’s one reason why I’ve loved doing Spilled Milk. (That, and the fact that it gives me a legitimate reason to drink four milkshakes in one day.) So when Maria and I starting kicking around the idea, back in the summer of 2010, of traveling somewhere together and doing a project around our travels, my immediate answer was YES! Actually, I think it was HELL YES! No need to mince words.

It’s taken us more than a year to get our plan / budget / selves together, but later this week, we’re finally acting on our idea. We’re traveling together to Paris(!!!). I’ve been thinking about typing that sentence for nearly fifteen months, and still, I can’t believe it. We’ll be there from October 16 to November 6, sharing an apartment, pooling our cameras, and no doubt doing a lot of walking and writing and shooting. Over the past year, we’ve kicked around a bunch of ideas about what we want to make from this experience: a blog? A small book? With photography? Writing? Maybe drawings? In the end, we decided to do all of it. We have a lot of work to do.

Because we love and believe in books, the main focus of our trip will be to make a book. We’re calling it Paris Diary. It feels scary to hazard a description of a book that hasn’t been made yet, and whose contents are currently just ideas in a notebook, so that is all I will say about that. Give me a few weeks.

But we also wanted to find a way to record the experience, the everyday parts, in the short term. To that end, we’re creating a website. While we’re in Paris, we’ll be posting updates five days a week: videos, photographs, bits of our days. What you currently see on the site is just a placeholder; the actual site will go up on October 16, a week from today - or on the 17th, at the latest. In any case, shortly after we get to Paris.

(!!!) I still can’t believe it.

When we were first brainstorming last summer, I remember worrying about our choice of city, worrying that everything in Paris had already been seen and done a thousand times, if not a million. Maybe that’s true. But I like the challenge of trying to see something differently - learning, really, to see it differently. Especially right now, in the middle of the process of writing my own book, in the middle of that cave. I could use a new set of eyes, and I’m going to go find them.

125 Comments:

CONGRATULAIONS! My sentiment is most certainly necessitates the use of all caps. You will no doubt see Paris in a new way. It will be your way, you will be the only one that can capture what you see, it will be colored by your own history and experiences. I can hardly wait to see/read about your adventure.

Because my absolute favorite posts you have written are based upon everyday happenings (stories of cake and watching boats sail in and out of the bay, or 9am beignetes enjoyed with outrageously entertaining cohorts!), I am quite intrigued by your project. I cannot wait to see how you capture the subtle and wonderful details of Paris!

thank you, molly, for continuing to inspire me. you truly have forced me to reconsider what a good life is over the past few years that i've been reading your blog...and i wouldn't go back for anything. good luck!

I went to Paris a few weeks ago on a spontaneous trip with my mother and I paid close attention to your recommendations. After extensive macaroon testing I can happily tell you that Pierre Hermes > Lauduree.

I would also very strongly recommend a restaurant called 'Fish la Boissonnerie'- their wine is fantastic and they really know what they're on about, while they do some very interesting twists on utterly delicious fish dishes. Well worth a visit. It's on 69 rue de Seine.

Very much looking forward to the book- is it too much to hope that it'll be available in England?

de-lurking after many years following your blog to tell you how much I love this idea! for those of us that are expats living in the city of light (and fans), will you be trying to blend in, or would there be a chance to catch a coffee and meet with you? totally understandable if it is the former... have a wonderful trip, it is a great time to be in this city.

How fun. I feel like I'm at my creative best when I share ideas with a good friend. Just an idea, take a mini-disk player (if you have one), or another kind of audio recorder. I bet an iPhone could do some recording too. Anyway, it's always a good idea to capture the sound of a place, it helps to put you back if later you need some inspiration. Just a thought. This is coming from a girl who did her MA in Audio Documentaries. Anyway, have fun on your trip.

Wow Molly. I think I feel the same way about you as you used to of MAV. In a non-creepy way I always wished we could be friends and collaborate! So I can understand your excitement. I've followed your work and MAV's for the last two years. And I am beyond excited for not only your next book, but now a 2nd book by two of my favorite creative people! Congrats!!!

Paris! How exciting. If you have a chance, check out this blog: afrenchfryeinparis.wordpress.com. Corey Frye is an expatriate who married a Parisian girl and now lives in France. His posts are worth a read. Great photos, too.

I'm so excited for you! I was in Paris for 6 days in September and loved every minute. I did post to my bog almost daily. It was hard to live and love and see and smell and taste Paris, and then have the energy to write the blog posts.I'm currently working through about 1600 pictures, trying to choose the best for a Blurb book. I cannot imagine how many pictures the two of you will snap. The hard part is choosing which pictures to discard; I love them all---they all hold a memory...I look forward to following you on your journey!!!!! Thanks for offering to share your experience.

This sounds wonderful!My mother gave me your book a few months back and I've be quickly falling in love with your words, site, story, and recipes. I started a food blog in January with no specific goals besides learn more about food. Your site is a constant inspiration, and I love reading your recipes. I just made an apple tart based on your recipe and also Jaques Pepins and it was delicious. The list of your recipes I want to try gets longer by the day :)Anyway thank you for being you and spreading the joyful message of delicious food. I bet your Paris adventure will be magical!

You will have a fabulous time- I'm a bit jealous. Been following your blog ever since reading your book last year. You are such an inspiration for me both as a writer and a foodie. Thanks for being you. I look forward to this newest adventure and also your next book.Have a blast- October in Paris will be bliss.

Oh my gosh, how wonderful! Paris also has a very special place in my heart. I'm planning a trip (back) with my husband for my 30th birthday! Even though it's still 2 years away I'm already counting down the days. Can't wait to read about your trip.

This is so exciting! Can't wait to read. I think the way of thinking and seeing you describe is something I've been learning over the past year via your blog, the blue hour (especially), and a few others. So excited to see what comes of this.

Wow how exciting! I will be in Paris at the same time - flying all the way from New Zealand on Wednesday and spending two whole weeks eating my way around Paris - no doubt we will cross paths at some point.. David Lebovitz and www.parispatisseries.com have been my go-to blogs for where to go when I arrive.. Hooray for Paris in October - can't think of anything nicer :)

That sounds like a lot of fun! Fall is really in full swing in Paris these days, so that's going to be exciting. Je vois beaucoup de tasses de vin chaud dans votre avenir! I'll be going in the opposite direction (Paris-- Oregon) around the same time, so I understand your excitement! I can't wait to read about your adventures!

Bon voyage, Molly! Your enthusiasm simply skips off the screen, and we're all excited for you. I hope you and Mav spend some quality time sauntering slowly through alleys with a warm baguette (or three) in tow.

Have a great time! Also, consider financing your book upfront with something like Kickstarter. I've had several friends pre-fund their cd's using this site. I already love your writing and photography enough that I'd prepurchase the book. yes, even before you've gone and shot photo #1. I bet you have a lot of fans who would back you.

Dear Molly, it's my first comment here but I like so much your blog and MAV's work (I've got "Sundays are for lovers" on my favourite shelf!) that I can't resist today to say "Congratulations!", and have a lovely trip to Paris together!

For more thoughts on memories of and seeing Paris for the first time, have you seen the latest NYT Travel article? http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/10/09/travel/lost-in-paris.html?nl=travel&emc=tda1 I haven't been back to Paris for a while (and I studied abroad there for a semester) but there is always a yearning to go back, and for me, it's more for what I cherish than to see what has changed. What about you? Do you feel a balance or a tipping of the scales?Have so much fun, you two.

Congratulations, Molly! I can't wait to see what you and MAV create! My husband and I just moved to Paris, literally yesterday! So exciting that you'll be coming to Paris! I'm sure you and MAV will be inspired anew by Paris. Bon Voyage!

congratulations! i went to paris this last may for the 3rd time (you emailed me suggestions for places to go/see - thank you!) and can't wait to read all of your new discoveries and thoughts in the city you love. safe travels!

That sounds so exciting and wonderful! I am a big fan of the 3191 series! I have always been in love with domesticity, but reading her and your blog have really inspired me to look at everyday objects differently and joyfully! Thanks a lot and happy travels!

Awesome ! I can't wait to read you. I live in Paris (I'm a journalist for the daily newspaper Le Monde), I imagine you already have tons of contacts here but if you need anything, it'd be my pleasure, as a devoted reader of your blog, to help you. Have fun !

Hey there from Paris and hope you'll have a lovely late autumn in the city ,just two tips go to Juveniles wine bar on rue Richelieu and to La Régalade Saint Honoré, have their milk rice for dessert, amazing and it comes with a wooden spoon.HHave fun!

A collaborative creative trip with an inspiring friend sounds like a dream! It doesn't matter how many times Paris has been done; what matters is the way it filters through your eyes. Thank you for the reminder that whether it's a country or just the everyday stuff of life, it's the filters and lenses through which it's seen and told that make it art. Looking forward to watching your project as it evolves!

I spent a month in Paris last year and it was one of the most life-changing gifts I have ever given myself. Paris is so vast, no doubt you will find stories to tell and images to share that are new to everyone. Enjoy.

I love that you're not sure of what you will be doing - it keeps you open. 10 years ago I met an amazing woman who had a cable show "Write Your Own History" which centered on the fascination of "everyday" people's lives. She retired at age 90. I still miss the show. Everyday is fascinating - it's all in the details and our common foibles and warmth.

hi, that sounds so lovely and I'm betting the result will be beautiful. I work in a small independant bookstore in Sydney, Australia and I'd love to see the product when it comes out. If you don't get a major distributor, I'd hate for us over here to miss out. I'm at turtlesalthewaydown@gmail.com if you'd like to drop me a line when it's done. Good luck! Nina

Yours is the first blog I ever started reading. Actually the first I had ever come across. I now read many blogs but yours is still my favourite. Paris was my first foreign city love. I have loved many others but Paris is still my favourite. Paris can never be seen (or read about)too many times. It will be wonderful.

Yay! I'm so excited to follow you on more adventures (and am excited to be able to live vicariously through you as we prepare for our own trip to Paris in November!).

More importantly, I hope that you know that just like Maria inspired you, you have inspired so many of us with your beautiful words, amazing food, and great thoughts about the wonders of every day life.

Thank you - and yay for your trip! Now we can say: "Guess what?! You're going to Paris!"

I just bought your book at Wordstock and like it even better than Orangetts. It's nice to know I have another book to look forward to in the future. And you'd better write about Parisian food and vendors. -- Sharyn

This may be too grandiose of an idea, but this project sounds like it would make a really cool interactive app/ebook. Maybe group images and stories by parts of the city or around certain types of experiences, and people could pick and choose what to read and in what order. Could be a really fun way to showcase your work.

So I feel dumb leaving comment #107 and hoping you'll read it but I'd hate myself for not writing something. I'm going to try not to sound like an obsessive fan here but.... A friend recommended your book to me bc of my love of baking. I read it and loved it. I was shocked when I realized that you live in Seattle, bc so do I! I was secretly hoping to run into you someday (like a crazy!) and then I saw this post about Paris. For about a year, 3 of my fav girlfriends and I have been planning to take a trip to France and we fly out to Paris on Oct 17. This is really weird and I promise I'm not a stalker, but I was hoping to hear where you recommend going to eat (specifically bouchons!) and maybe even meeting you if thats not too weird. [tashagentile(at)gmail.com]

You know what? You're half right: everything in Paris has been seen and done a thousand times, but not by you. I've always said that I could write a book for every month that I was in Paris. There's so much to do and see, and I envy your trip and look forward to reading about your adventures.

How fantastic. Am so thrilled for you and excited to see what you produce (and to leech a little off what you find). Heading back to Paris for my 30th for a weekend just a week after you leave. Just a wee bit excited for me as well.

You can never see or get enough of Paris. We go every Sept, this year our 5th, and we visit old spots and discover new exciting things with each trip! I blog about it every September.....looking fwd to your book! Enjoy your trip!Bon Voyage!Stacey Snacks

Hi there - I'd love to show you around Paris, one foodie to another. I've built a nice group of ex-pat foodie friends here in Paris with a smaller group of friends in the magical medievil village of Noyers in Burgundy where there is some amazing culinary adventures underway. I'd love to share them all with you guys if you're interested.

Just joined your blog because of your book. Myself and 2 other women have a mini book club and this month's book is yours! We get together taking turns at each others homes and have dinner and discuss the current book. We always create food that has something to do with the book. That started with a book called "The Recipe Club" and we've continued this for over a year now. I'm enjoying your book and it reminds me of myself. When I have people over for dinner most of the time we never leave the kitchen! My friends have asked me how I learned to cook so well and I always respond by saying, "I learned to cook on the bus"....In my early 20's, I rode the bus to work...I lived in West Seattle and worked in downtown and I would read cookbooks. On the weekend I would invite as many friends as possible and cook for them. I still collect cookbooks, still download recipes from several sites and still love to cook! Now I just have to figure out which recipe to use for the entree since the evening will be at my home!